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Ocular abnormalities in Whippets practicing lure coursing in Poland
K Miazga1,2, J Tomkowicz3, J Wilczak4
1Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences
|March 21, 2024
Summary
Ocular abnormalities affect over half of competing Whippets in Poland. Regular eye exams are recommended for these sighthounds to monitor potential vision issues impacting their performance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Canine Sports Medicine
Background:
- Coursing is a sight-dependent canine sport for sighthounds.
- Whippets are a popular breed in Poland, with increasing participation in professional lure coursing.
- Inherited ocular disorders are a known concern in Whippets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in competing Whippets.
- To investigate the impact of these abnormalities on competition results.
- To assess the need for regular ophthalmic examinations in sport Whippets.
Main Methods:
- Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed on 45 regularly competing Whippets.
- Evaluations included menace response, pupillary light reflex, dazzle reflex, biomicroscopy, and fundus examination.
- Refractive state was assessed using streak retinoscopy.
Main Results:
- Ocular abnormalities were identified in 24 dogs (53.3%).
- Vitreous degeneration was the most common finding (20%), with five dogs having multiple lesions.
- No significant differences in results were found based on sex, age, or ranking points between affected and unaffected dogs.
Conclusions:
- Over half of competing Whippets exhibit ocular abnormalities, with vitreous degeneration being most prevalent.
- While no immediate performance impact was detected, the progressive nature of some lesions suggests the need for monitoring.
- Regular ophthalmological screening is advised for sport Whippets to track potential long-term effects on their athletic capabilities.
